March 28, 2008. President Bush stopped in Freehold, NJ to visit the Novadebt Credit Counseling Service which helps consumers who are deeply in debt. After the announced visit, the NJ Citizen Action group decided it would be a good time to protest the war. They were very organized, complete with a decorated bus and professionally made protest signs.
Leading the pack was democrat congressman Frank Pallone. You may recall that he was the "save our fort" official who ran his election campaigns on saving Fort Monmouth from moving south. (The fort will move to Maryland in 2011). Shown is Pallone and kids singing a list of songs handed out by the NJ Citizen Action committee.
I thought the rally was going to be a total anti-Bush and anti-war rally and surprise, surprise, along came Anthony. He mingled with the anti-war group with his pro-Bush sign.
For his difference of opinion, the media interviewed Anthony. Shortly after the interview, an anti-war activist engaged Anthony in a debate. The woman had some very strong opinions but Anthony held his own with logic and common sense.
The media was everywhere as one would expect with a presidential visit.
The anti-war group was on one side of the street.
The pro-Bush group was on the other side of the street.
Of course a rally like this brings out all kinds of opinions. The dog was the coolest of all.
Around 2:45 PM, a Marine helicopter landed a few hundred feet from the destination building, then the president's helicopter landed followed by two more Marine helicopters.
The helicopters landed too far away from the crowds for anyone aboard the craft to read any of the rally signs, but it was OK, the weather was fine and everyone got along without incident.